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Jack was born eight weeks early and suffered oxygen starvation at birth, resulting in cerebral palsy. He found it tough to use his arms, hands and legs, and could not walk properly or sit up without help.

The operation at St Louis Children’s Hospital is known as a selective dorsal rhizotomy and included removing nerve connections from his muscles to the spinal cord, which was causing the stiffness in his legs.

After the successful operation, Jack underwent an hour’s physiotherapy every day for three weeks, with his family supporting him along the way.

Last week, the Pirbright Village Primary School pupil was presented with the wheelchair, which mum Sarah said has given him independence.

“It gives him some degree of freedom which he hasn’t had,” Mrs Ostler said. “It’s given him another level of independence, which is amazing.

“I think the biggest difference will be in the playground when he is able to play with his friends and move around with them instead of being pushed.

“He is currently learning to use it. He is learning to drive over the holiday, but we had to reduce the speed on it.

“We would like to say a massive thanks to Gordon and Ann who bought the wheelchair for him. It would have been lots of fundraising for us and we can use that money on other pieces of equipment and therapy.”

Mr Parris from the Chobham charity said the wheelchair, which cost £8,250, has an adjustable seat so he can get up to talk to talk to people at their height, or lie back to go to sleep.

“It’s made him very mobile now,” Mr Parris added. “It’s a brilliant piece of machinery that has made his life a lot better.

“We asked him to show us how to drive it, it was brilliant. We are really pleased to help a family have a better way of life.”